Founding Yourself
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
I actually learned something new this week.
Well, I should clarify—I learned something new by watching one of my husband’s television shows. A rarity.
I have to admit, his shows are not my shows. Seldom, do I cuddle up to catch the next episode of how to site in a gun, or how to rebuild an engine, or how to custom paint a car. Those just don’t move me—well, maybe to sleep, but not inspirationally. No, I like the whole house renovations, how to cook an Italian meal, vacation lifestyles, where to buy a private island (cuz you never know when you’ll be in the market for a private island, right?) type of shows.
So, when I actually did sit down and spend some time with him, on his turf, something caught my ear—it caught my attention. And now I’m sharing with you if you don’t mind.
The show he was watching talked about a resurgence of an old school technique of making metal parts. Not by automated factory style, but by the workings of a lost art. I actually sat interested, with my husband, and followed the details. It intrigued me.
These workers would heat large caldrons full of metals to some ridiculous temperature, then take that molten metal and pour it from one vessel into a mold. From there, once set, the molds were “shaken” to release the contents and then the item would be set out to cure.
But, as the show went on, something even more grabbed my attention. Something monumental that has now changed a conventional thought upside down for me.
I know what you may be thinking, about the connection to God–it’s kind of obvious, but wait…there’s more!
Do you know what they call this whole process? It gave me goosebumps.
…Founding.
And the place where Founding happens? More goosebumps.
…a Foundry.
And the descripition of the item after it’s been poured and created? Huge goosebumps.
…Found!
Found!
If Jesus didn’t show up right there in that room and give me an example, I don’t know what it was then.
Oh. My. Gosh. I turned to my husband and said, “Well, I just have to jot this down!”
The connection is forever now between being lost and being found as a new creation—being poured into, being shaped, becoming anew. Isn’t that us? Don’t we go through the heating and shaking and molding from God when we’re tired of the old self and we’re ready for a new start. When we say yes to Him, it’s a brand new life! Being Found has a whole new meaning!
Merriam-Webster even confirms it:
- of find.
- Equipped; outfitted.
- To establish a firm base to endure existence.
- To melt and pour into a mold.
Take your pick. They’re all connected in the big scheme of things. They all have God’s handprints over them don’t you think?
Maybe it’s just me, but I’m giddy to find this out. It means so much more than simply the end result of being lost. Found means we are not only back in a place of safety but we are also poured into of all that God has to offer. It’s a double whammy. It’s two-for-one. It’s a whole package kind of rescuing. We are new creations.
So may I offer a few suggestions?
If you’re feeling lost..
If you’re in search of answers to your life…
If you’re in the weeds and are trying to find a way out…
Instead of listening to a silly cliché of trying to find myself in a world that has nothing to offer, try founding yourself by the One that creates new and wonderful lives. Think, being filled up. Think, being molded. Think, being renewed. Offer up your heart and soul to the Creator. There you will find answers!
May the Grace and Peace of our Lord fill every crevice of you, the mold in which He created, so that you become a new creation in Him and for Him through all He pours in. May you be Found–always!
Thank you for the reminder and encouragement Renae. What a deep insight, even from learning about how to make, ” metal parts”. 🙂
Thank you Christine! We’re a full service ministry, metal parts and all–haha. Blessings to you.
Thank you Renae for giving me a new concept to think about. I love the imagery you provided about the whole process. I have read never looked at our journey this way. I AM found.
Right Kevyn???– A new way to see the beauty of our walk of faith. Yay. I’m glad you found it inspiring. Blessings.
Good stuff, Renae. Believe it, or not, I took 13 semesters of metal shop, and did a lot of the work you described. Fondly, I remember Mr. Schell, who nurtured me, and took me under his wing, like no other, included me on a special project, for his wife. It was to be a piece of gold jewelry, using the founding process, and a huge queen bumble bee, for the impression. We were creating an exact duplicate, burying, and putting pressure on the fine molding soil, leaving a small pipeline to pour the molten gold inside. The bee flesh was burned up and replaced with the finest metal, being completely transformed, yet an exact copy of God’s design. What a perfect parallel, demonstrating our transtion from death to flesh, being filled with the Holy Spirit (the gold), and becoming that new creature in Christ! I once was lost, but now, I’m FOUND! Amen.
Amen Devery!! I may be in a minority of knowing the process and the name, but I am so glad God revealed it in this form. I understand from my husband it was a process often taught in metal shop class years ago, just as you said. I have a new understanding of what exactly being found is all about–and I love it! I’m so glad it brought back memories for you. Yes, we are FOUND!